Muslim Professionals Forum (MLF) in Malaysia also stated recently that it did not agree with Naik’s approach in spreading Islam, according to one of the persons quoted above.

It may be recalled that Naik’s entry has been banned by some Western countries, including Canada & UK as well as the Sheikh Hasina government in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Malaysian government has issued a strict warning to Islamic preacher Zakir Naik to follow the law of the land or face action days after PM Narendra Modi visited Kuala Lumpur and following protests by local groups against extremist views.

The directive from the Malaysian government to Naik was issued after Modi met PM Mahathir Mohammad on May 31 in Kuala Lumpur days after re-election of nonagenarian leader, ET has learnt.

Various groups in Malaysia have been protesting against Naik’s speeches, saying it offends the sensibilities of those who do not profess Islam, according to persons familiar with the developments. Muslim Professionals Forum (MLF) in Malaysia also stated recently that it did not agree with Naik’s approach in spreading Islam, according to one of the persons quoted above.

It may be recalled that Naik’s entry has been banned by some Western countries, including Canada & UK as well as the Sheikh Hasina government in neighbouring Bangladesh. His Peace TV has also been banned in Bangladesh.

Dhaka continues to hold him responsible for inspiring worst terror attack on its soil in recent years when the upscale Holey Artisan Bakery was targeted in 2016 and is seeking action against Naik. Even before 2016 attack in Dhaka had been denied visa to visit Dhaka for his preachings which allegedly incite extremism. There were suspicions that Naik maintains links with pro-Pak Jamaat-e-Islami whose leaders have been executed for genocide during the liberation movement in 1971.

Naik, however, managed to find refuge in Malaysia notwithstanding growing counter-terror cooperation between Delhi and SE Asian country under the Najib Razak government.